'Dear Self' - Elaine Thompson-Herah reminds herself to stay motivated as she prepares for 2026 return

Five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah has shared a reflective heartfelt message with her followers as she targets a comeback in 2026.

The Jamaican sprint legend who is yet to get back to her best form since her historic outing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, will hope this year can finally bring her peace on the track.

Known as the "fastest woman alive," Thompson-Herah's celebrated career has been marked by a persistent battle with chronic Achilles tendon injuries.

This struggle culminated in a devastating Achilles tear in New York earlier in 2024, which forced her to withdraw from the Jamaican trials and miss the opportunity to defend her sprint titles at the Paris Olympics. She also sat out the 2025 season and missed the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

In a heartfelt social media post, Thompson-Herah addressed a letter to herself, taking a moment to acknowledge her progress and perseverance through challenging times. She expressed gratitude for her own courage in navigating setbacks and emphasized the strength she has shown in facing her struggles.

"Dear Self, take a moment to pause and appreciate how far you have come," she wrote. "Thank you for hanging in there, despite the tough times, and for navigating life’s ups and downs with courage. I honour the battles you’ve fought, the lessons you’ve learned, and the resilience you’ve shown, even when you felt like crumbling."

"I am sorry for the times I didn’t have enough faith in your intuition, or when I overworked you and didn’t listen to your need for rest. I promise to be kinder to you, to give you grace, and to remember that you are doing your best."

The sprinter continued by expressing deep appreciation for her entire self—flaws, strengths, and unique character. She reflected on her ability to maintain hope for a brighter future, even when the path forward was uncertain.

Thompson-Herah concluded with a message of encouragement, urging herself to move forward with authenticity and confidence, to trust her own journey without comparing it to others, and to prioritize her well-being.